Expert: Walter Hintz - 5/18/2009

Question
Hello. My husband and I are having an issue with our elderly dog. He is now peeing everywhere in our house. We try to clean it up but the amount that the dog is peeing, it is impossible to get it all, some areas that are harder to detect with pee spots may sit for days, weeks, maybe even months before we find them, although we try. We will be laying in our bed and smell it because the dog has peed on the lower corners of our bed, and we have to change the comforter frequently. We have a 2 year old, her whole room smells of urine, no matter how much we clean or steam the carpets. We close the door to keep the dog out but shutting the door makes the room smell even worse. Aside from this being a nuisance to have to clean all the time, the smell in some areas are awful and I have been getting increasingly severe headaches. I know that urine has amonia in it. I am starting to get really concerned and we've tried doggie diapers, he takes them off. My MAIN question is: Could this urine be a cause of my headaches and what effects could it have on our health? Anything you could tell me would be helpful. Thank you.

Answer
I wish I could help you Lauren but this is a medical problem, both for you and for the dog.  I suggest that you consult a vet since the old dog has a bladder problem. There may be drugs that will help the dog. The ammonia could be giving you headaches but you should see a doctor about it